The pulp is the tooth’s nerve supply that is found deep inside the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of each root. The pulp is very important for normal tooth growth, health and development. However, a fully developed tooth can function normally without a pulp if root canal treatment has been successful.
Infection or inflammation of the pulp can be caused by:
Symptoms may include pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discolouration and swelling or soreness of surrounding gums.
It is important for the tooth pulp to be treated quickly otherwise severe pain and abscesses (infection at the end of the roots) can occur.
At the start of the procedure, the dentist or endodontist will examine the tooth and take an x-ray, then give a local anaesthetic to prevent and block any pain. A sheet of latex, also known as a rubber dam is placed on the tooth to isolate it and keep it clean and dry during treatment. To reach the pulp (the tooth’s nerve supply), an opening through the tooth is made with a dental drill.
Using instruments called files, the dentist or endodontist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp and each root canal is cleaned, enlarged and shaped. Several x-rays will be taken to check the shape and length of root canal. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medications may be placed inside the root canal to help stop the inflammation and infection. If there is a severe infection, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
Several visits to the dentist or endodontist may be required to complete treatment. A temporary filling will be placed inside the tooth and will protect the tooth between visits. There is hardly any pain or discomfort but some patients may want to take a mild pain reliever such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Once treatment has been completed and the pulp has been removed, the tooth will be nourished mostly by surrounding tissues.
Fissures are natural grooves that are found on the biting surfaces of teeth. All molars and premolars have fissures. Sometimes, fissures can be found on the canines and the front teeth. If the fissures are narrow and deep, it makes it difficult for the toothbrush to clean out food debris making the trapped food a source of nutrients for bacteria to feed on and results in plaque formation which eats into the tooth enamel and causes tooth decay.
The deeper and the narrower the fissure is, the more likely it is to develop decay. The best way to prevent decay from happening is to place fissure sealants on the chewing and grinding surfaces of teeth that are most vulnerable. Fissure sealants are coatings that protect the teeth from plaque and acid and may be white, clear or tinted.
Treatment is quick and non-invasive and only involves applying a coat of sealant to the tooth surface, allowing it to set and form a protective barrier.
Electronic and manual toothbrushes are both effective in cleaning your teeth with proper brushing techniques. However, Dr Sam Lawrence, one of our experienced dentists at Tendler Dental, recommends using an electric toothbrush as it is more effective in cleaning teeth and, therefore better at preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Continued dental care is highly important for the ongoing health of your teeth and gums. We recommend patients visit their dentist in the very least twice a year. Some patients who have gum disease, diabetes or a higher risk of oral problems may need to come to the dental surgery more regularly than twice a year. Having regular check up appointments gives the dentist an opportunity to monitor your oral health and to detect and treat any problems before they have the chance to become more significant.
Periodontitis can develop if gingivitis is ignored. Watch our video to know the early signs of a serious gum disease. Our experienced dentist, Dr Sam Lawnrence, is here to explain how to detect early signs of a gum disease and what you can do about it. Contact Tendler Dental today if you have any concerns about your gum health. Call now!
Cavities are as common in children as they are in adults. Some children love to eat sweets and sugary drinks, especially the fizzy ones. These foods usually leave deposits in the teeth and if they are not removed, and cleaned regularly they react with the dental enamel and create cavities and dental erosion.
Dr. Sam Lawrence suggests that good feeding habits help to prevent tooth decay.
At Tendler Dental, we provide guidance on good oral hygiene habits which are helpful in preventing dental problems in later years.
Watch our video to learn more from our child-friendly dentist in Hawthorn East.
